Miniature Bronze Couple
Gan, Burkina Faso
Copper alloy, accumulation
18th - 19th century

Couples cast in bronze were a recurring theme in West African art, particularly among the Senufo, Kulango, Gan, and Lobi. They can represent a primordial or ancestral couple, twins (imbued with spiritual potency), or contradictory opposites (such as old/young, male/female, initiated/uninitiated, etc.), all of which play an important role cultural belief systems.    

The religious and functional artwork of the Gan, who call themselves the Kaaba or Kamba, has often been misattributed to neighboring groups in Burkina Faso and Ghana such as the Senufo, Lobi, or Kulango. Research indicates that the Gan (who can be distinguished by their regionally unique language) originated in central Ghana and emigrated northwest to Burkina Faso in the 15th century. Not coincidentally, Gan bronzes excavated in Burkina Faso can date back to the 15th century, but not earlier (Beckwith & Fisher, African Ceremonies, 1999; Protective Pendant (Sabi na fre), Met Museum, 1982.485.12; A. Naegele, pers. communication, Dec 2, 2016; Roy & Wheelock, Land of the Flying Masks, 2007; Schaedler, Earth and Ore, 1997).

Due to its small size, this object was likely a pendant or personal charm.

1.125 in :: 2.85 cm

InventoryID #13-1394

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